Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations at the UN Security Council Briefing on Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine
New York, 09 July 2026
Thank you, Mr President,
I thank Undersecretary Secretary DiCarlo and acting Assistant Secretary General Ratwatte for their factual and detailed briefings, outlining the ever more severe impact of Russia’s aggression on Ukrainian civilians.
In the first seven days of July, 93 Ukrainian civilians were killed and over 500 injured. Russia is using its most destructive weapons, not only on the frontline, but also in densely populated civilian areas.
Latvia strongly condemns these deliberate attacks against the Ukrainian civilian population.
These are acts of desperation, emblematic of a failing war that is going nowhere.
In recent months, Ukraine has conducted an effective campaign striking Russia’s military installations, warehouses, military logistics hubs, and energy infrastructure supplying Russia’s war economy. In doing so, Ukraine has exercised its legitimate right to self-defence against aggression in line with Article 51 of the Charter.
By contrast, Russia has bombed apartment buildings, residential suburbs, and cultural objects, including a major printing warehouse, destroying over 800 000 books.
Ukraine urgently needs additional air defence to protect its civilians from this brutality.
The Euro-Atlantic community continues to stand strong and united in its support to Ukraine’s right of self-defence. Yesterday, 32 Heads of State and Government delivered a clear message from Ankara. I quote “Ukraine contributes to transatlantic security, and Allies stand united in our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.” End of quote.
Indeed, this is a key takeaway – Ukraine is a security contributor. A contributor to European and global security, including our Gulf partners. A contributor to the defence of international law and human rights. A contributor to the defence of the UN Charter.
Mr President,
Russia has lost over 1.4 million soldiers in this war. Up to 35 000 Russian soldiers are dying every month – several thousand above the recruitment rate. The Russian armed forces are experiencing the deadliest and slowest advance of any military campaign over the last century. The aggressor continues to increase the illicit recruitment of foreigners into its army and military industry, using deceptive recruitment practices that target economically and socially vulnerable people from Africa, Latin America and Asia.
Russia is also intensifying its aggressive policies to intimidate those supporting Ukraine’s self-defence. Countries in the region, including my own country Latvia, have faced Russia’s campaigns of lies and threats, increasing hybrid activities and provocations.
Latvia will continue to expose Russia’s actions, lies and deflection. Russia is trying to shed its pariah status in international politics and portray itself as a victim.
In this regard, the International Olympic Committee’s provisional decision to lift suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee is sending a dangerous message: accountability can wait while Russia's war continues. It is unacceptable. There should be no red carpets for Russia while missiles fall!
Mr President,
Ukrainian society is united in fighting for its freedom in a sovereign, democratic Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Russian leadership fears accountability and its own people. On 24 of June Russia imprisoned a political party leader for seven years for sharing UN verified data on social media regarding Russian atrocities in Bucha. Russia arbitrarily delivers over a decade long prison sentences to individuals who have donated as little as 50 USDs to charities providing humanitarian support to Ukraine.
Russia has illegally and arbitrarily detained thousands of Ukrainian civilians, which constitutes grave violation of international humanitarian and international human rights law. Up to 92% of the released civilians report having experienced systemic torture or ill-treatment during detainment.
Civilians are not prisoners of war and must not be used as bargaining chips. Latvia calls for immediate release of the detained civilians and underlines the importance of a full all-for-all detainee exchange as part of a just end to this war.
Mr President,
All, but one, around this table have been calling for a ceasefire.
We call on every country to put maximum pressure on Russia’s leadership – the only obstacle to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire and meaningful negotiations.
The measure of strength is not the ability to destroy cities, but the willingness to choose peace.